January 26, 2015

Knowsley libraries back new scheme to help people with dementia

Knowsley Council's Library Service is backing the launch of a new national self-help through books scheme for people with dementia.

The initiative - part of the ground-breaking, national 'Reading Well Books on Prescription' scheme - supports people with dementia to feel better through self-help reading.

Health professionals will be able to recommend helpful reading to support people with dementia and their carers. The books will be free to borrow from any of Knowsley's libraries.

The 25 titles on the Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia list have been recommended by health experts as well as people who live with the condition. The list includes a range of books offering information and advice about dementia and normal ageing, support with living well after diagnosis, practical advice for carers, personal accounts, and suggestions for shared therapeutic activities.

The scheme will also help the many people living without a formal diagnosis, who may be worrying about symptoms and wanting to find out more.

The first Books on Prescription initiative which was launched in June 2013 already helps over 275,000 people in England with common mental health conditions feel better through self-help reading. It has played an important role in helping to meet the huge need for mental health support.

Books on Prescription for dementia aims to build on this success. There are an estimated 850, 000 people in the UK living with the condition.